1. Use a period (.) This is the most straightforward way to separate two independent clauses. For example:
* Run-on: The dog barked loudly, the cat hissed back.
* Corrected: The dog barked loudly. The cat hissed back.
2. Use a semicolon (;) A semicolon can join two closely related independent clauses.
* Run-on: The rain poured down, the streets flooded.
* Corrected: The rain poured down; the streets flooded.
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) This method uses a comma followed by one of the coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
* Run-on: The sun was shining, we decided to go for a walk.
* Corrected: The sun was shining, so we decided to go for a walk.
4. Use a subordinating conjunction Subordinating conjunctions (like because, since, although, while, etc.) create a dependent clause, which can be joined to an independent clause with a comma.
* Run-on: I was tired, I went to bed early.
* Corrected: Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
Remember, the best method to use depends on the relationship between the clauses and the desired tone of your writing.